Dundalk overcome deficit to progress

Stephen O’Donnell breaks Coleraine hearts with his injury-time winner

Dundalk shocked part-time Coleraine last night after overcoming a 3-2 deficit to progress to the semi-finals.

Stephen O’Donnell broke hearts with his injury-time winner, striking from inside the area after the ball was played through by Patrick Hoban on 92 minutes.

Hoban scored the opener six minutes into the second half after he latched onto to Dane Massey’s uncleared free-kick, via John Mountney.

Ruairi Harkin set up Gareth Tommons for the home side’s first chance on nine minutes, but his lobbed effort was saved.

Richie Towell responded but his shot from distance was tucked behind by Eugene Ferry.

Harkin’s corner two minutes before the break turned dangerous when both Tommons and Paul Owens had a stab.

Oran Kearney’s side looked disjointed in the second half, letting the quick-paced visitors weave in behind their previously solid defence.

Conceding shocked Coleraine into regaining shape. Sub Ryan McIlmoyle came close and Cherrie did well to keep out Owens’ corner. David McMillan also came close from Darren Meenan’s cross and had a shot saved late on.

A goalmouth scramble after an Owens corner in injury time looked dangerous for Dundalk but the defence stayed strong.